Roots / Old Time Blues / Country

Roots Music, Old Time Blues and Country, the Original Masters and their modern day counterparts ill be the WoWo theme of the night.

CAS HALEY

Cas Haley stood surrounded by his band in a rough circle in the studio. No one wore headphones or sat in an isolation booth. Instead they played music, and listened to each other. They cut songs in single takes. They didn’t focus on making things perfect, but instead focused on finding the soul of each song. The result is the Texas-based singer-songwriter’s astounding new album La Si Dah (Easy Star Records, 2013).

Cas had been on the road much of the time in the three years since the release of his last album, Connection, playing some 150 shows a year in just about every U.S. state as well as overseas and releasing a holiday EP (Gifts to Give). Now that he was back in the studio, as he explains, “I wanted to capture a moment. If I died tomorrow, and my kids had only one musical statement through which to know me, what would I want that record to be?” His answer: “I wanted them to feel their father in this music. I wanted it to be a recording that really is alive and I’m really present in; a true, pure, honest take of what happened.”

Cas’s friend and mentor, producer/engineer Rob Fraboni, provided invaluable coaching towards achieving this vision. Besides his work with music royalty like Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Wayne Shorter, Hubert Sumlin, and Melissa Etheridge, Fraboni did the original CD remastering of Bob Marley’s entire catalog in 1989, so he’s reggae royalty himself, and he’d taken an interest in Cas even prior to Connection. “I was immediately taken with him as a person,” Fraboni says. “Then I heard him sing! Lord, what a voice, and better yet, an ability to use that voice to really move the listener. I was immediately smitten.”

The young artist self-produced La Si Dah with Fraboni’s guidance on details that most of us don’t think about, but that mean everything to the songs, like what mics to use and where to place them (surprisingly far from the instruments). Cas sums it up simply: “Fraboni is from the day when capturing the sound and emotion of the performance was the goal.” In the end, turbocharged by Cas’s compelling talent and superbly rehearsed band, the La Si Dah sessions captured both the clarity of sound of a studio production and the soulful flavor of a live recording. Asked whether the unorthodox recording process paid off, Fraboni confirms it: “Absolutely. The atmosphere of the sound suits the emotion of his singing – fresh and alive! I’d call that a payoff.”

From his early days with his musician parents, surrounded by the sounds of blues, ‘60s-‘70s rock, and Bob Marley, through his immersion in ska/punk/skateboard culture and the classic reggae-pop of bands like UB40 and Sublime, Cas went on to a second-place finish on America’s Got Talent and some hard-knock lessons about the music business. Through it all –his years of touring, and now in the fourth year of his fruitful collaboration with Easy Star Records – Cas has never lost sight of music’s core message of communication among people and nations. But on La Si Dah he and his band take it in an eye-opening variety of musical directions. The straight-up reggae of songs like “Mama,” “Slow Down,” and “Crazy Good Woman” yields to soulful balladry (“Let Her Go”) and funky-jump blues (a smoking cover of the classic “I’ve Got My Mojo Working”), and three instrumentals, including the jazzy “Trash Day,” the Meters-meets-reggae of “Jackson,” and the Surf-inflected “Capricorn.” Says Cas, “I’ve always loved music that didn’t have lyrics. An album’s got to have a break from the stories to let your mind wander and let the music tell its own story.”

Musical branching out has been a part of Cas’s spirit all along. “My musical tastes have always been very wide, I love all kinds,” he says, “but what evolved is the way I feel about it, what it means to me, and the value that we all put on the moment of playing the music versus the outcome.” Lyrically Cas’s songs feel as authentic as ever but with the added depth of maturity and reflection: “I feel like I’ve definitely gotten to a place where I’ve accepted who I am.”

More and more fans are appreciating who he is, as he continues on the road playing solo acoustic shows, many at colleges, where audiences have embraced him, leading to many more bookings for the coming year. While all this experience has deepened his connection with his expanding songbook and proven that he doesn’t need a band behind him to move a crowd, his schedule also features club shows and festivals where he is excited to be teaming with his band members to perform much of the La Si Dah album. It’s all about giving his all to spread the joy of music – because no one should live in an isolation booth

TADA

NICK VEGA

Nick Vega is a 21 years old rapper from the east side streets of Chicago. He is working hard to turn a positive situation out of a negative through his music.

CHIEF REG

Chief Reg is a rising artist from Chicago, IL. As a newcomer Chief Reg is vastly building his name by working with names such as Chicago producer Snapback, DjSuchNSuch of Save Money and many more. Having grown up in the inner city and south suburbs of Chicago Reg tells stories of his family struggles, the trouble he has avoided and hope for the future. Chief Reg recently released his debut project titled Henwood after the death of a friend.

 

TREY BILLZ x STEVE-O $TONER

Trey Billz is an artist/ producer/ engineer/ composer that is from the Southside of Chicago. He has been in music scene since 2009 and has produced for over 50 local artists and in many different states

Steve-O $toner is a 21 year old Hip Hop artist and film director/editor from the Southside of Chicago. He has devoted his life to his art craft, with determination and ambition he plans to take the mainstream Hip Hop scene by storm. He has his own visual media company, Inkredible Filmz, and Chicago Hip Hop movement #SOS  (The Society of Stonerz). Please embrace and support the music.

STUNT TAYLOR

Chicago Artists exploding onto the scene after years of blossoming in where they have been rooted their entire lives is far from a new concept. In the perfect environment for artists to develop their own niche and sense of swagger, Stuntman has done just that, developing a sound of music that can simply be described as different and distinctive.

Kyle Taylor, better known as “Stuntman” hailing from the West Side of Chicago became musically intrigued at a young age from growing up watching his cousin’s rap along with being immersed in the sounds of Hip-Hop moguls, Biggie smalls as well as Young Jeezy. Stuntman began rapping at the age 15, over the years becoming a West Side wonder ever and not looking back ever since. He is the new voice of the West Side speaking for a younger generation. He is drilling his way into Chicago’s Music with catchy hooks and his smooth delivery which continuously sets him apart from all the rest.

 

Stunt man has had the opportunity to perform at many local Chicago venues such as Club E, Congress Theater, Sub T, Club 53, and Redno 5 and looks to continue performing at Chicago’s major venues while making the steady climb to the top of his profession/

Recently releasing the 2 hot singles “FeFe On the Block” and “All I Know” from his new mixtape “Stuntin is a Habit”, Stuntman explains what this younger generation is all about, the goal of every working individual, getting money. The songs and videos also introduce a West Side dance sensation known as “boppin”.

Get in tune with Stuntman and his Movement with Dough Street Entertainment.

ASA

Asa is an up and coming local Chicago rapper. He has recently dropped a mixtaped called ” #ImaClassic.” He has collaborated with many Chicago artist such as King Louie, Sasha Go Hard, Dreezy, and many more.

DBP

“If GEORGE CLINTON went fishing with STING in the Caribbean, while a RABBI was beat boxing JAY-Z at a Gospel concert with FIDEL CASTRO hiding in the back, your soundtrack would be DBP”.

After living in Berlin, Germany for 7 years (performing with artists such as Mousse T, Miss Platnum, and Jazzanova), Chicago-based musician DBP returned to the USA in 2009. He self-released his debut EP “On a Silver Platter” in 2011 that he worked on with producer/engineer Greg Magers (Lupe Fiasco’s “The Cool”, Umphrey’s Mcgee). He is presently also a member of the Chicago Collective “Sidewalk Chalk” (voted “Most Outstanding Band or Group” by the Chicago Music Awards 2012) and a member of Verzatile, with whom he has appeared on the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and taken the stage with Lupe Fiasco, Res, Talib Kweli, J DaVeY, De La Soul, Wu Tang Clan, and more. He has worked with and composed/arranged for producers of Umphrey’s Mcghee, Patrick Stump, Lupe Fiasco, Fall Out Boy, Psy, and Matthew Santos.

The live show will smack you all in the face and leave you with a smile from brow to brow.”

 

SHE

SHE is an all female band developed in 2011 by members Shay (Shalynn Brown) and Loona Dae (Jasmine Parks) whom were previously introduced to the idea of starting a female band by a close friend. After about a year of fumbling through member losses and experimental jam sessions to provoke their musical identity as a band, SHE is now comprised of six members: Shay, Loona Dae, Midori (Schenay Mosley), Page (Page Kallop), Ashley (Ashley Janea Otis) and Margie Renee (Margie Robinson). Heavily inspired by artists including Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Duke Ellington, Sun Ra, D’Angelo, George Clinton, Bob Marley, Pharrell, Billie Holiday, Hiatus Kaiyote, Happy Apple, Robert Glasper, The Roots, Talib Kweli and many more, SHE has discovered a sound, image and performance style of their own that ultimately manifested their vision to create music that can be loved and understood universally.

SAM TRUMP SOUL VORTEX

Sam Trump is a multi‐instrumentalist and singer/songwriter from Houston, TX, and has been a student of music for over 22 years. Trump not only sings, but plays the trumpet and ukulele, and is heavily involved in Chicago’s live music scene, where he’s known for creating an experience that is best described as sophisticated & soulful. Feb 14th will be the release of his next EP entitled LOVE NOTES, which features 5 dynamic songs with rich vocal production, reminiscent of R/B & Soul music from an earlier place in time.

A few notable performances would be for SheaMoisture, The Curtis Mayfield Foundation, and Chicago Urban League, and Trump has opened up for international acts such as Muhsinah, Jose James, Phonte, and Kindred The Family Soul.

A recent, notable collaboration is on Add‐2’s latest album, Prey For The Poor, where Sam co‐composed two songs that featured Grammy Award Winner, Rapsody.

Trump’s two latest Official Music Videos have received critical acclaim for their positive message and imagery. Check out “Brother” and “Count On Me” at www.SamTumpOnline.com.
Throughout his original music, Trump wants to remain innovative, but also convey a preservation of down-home soul. Trump plans to remain a professional educator and continue to write, perform, and expand as a musical creator.

Little Big Fat

LITTLE BIG FAT

Like a recurring rash or the metric system, Little Big Fat flares up just when you think it’s gone. Twelve years in, the collaboration presents as a deep musical itch, the scratching of which reveals the band’s heyday. The recent addition of Marc Gee on vocals and keys adds depth, range, and fullness while Dave Langley’s sultry bass stylings subtly bind the proceedings with a solid yet squishy sense of adventure. Steeped in rock nostalgia but tilting slightly progressive, LBF blends together songs you know and songs you think you know. All are handled with care by those that consider both the jam and the integrity of the song’s foundation equally worthy of focus.

DONNELL WOOLFORD

Retired NFL Great, Donnell Woolford, built the foundation of his sports career in his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina at Douglas Byrd High School. He was a three-sport star at Douglas Byrd where he starred in football, basketball, and track. He went on to Clemson University where he was known as one of the best cor­nerbacks in Clemson history and was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the nation’s top defensive player. Donnell was also a two-time All American while at Clemson and was voted one of the Greatest Clemson Tigers of the 20th Century, and subse­quently in the Clemson Hall of Fame.

As a first round draft pick for the Chicago Bears in 1989, Donnell started every game from 1989-1996 before being traded to the Steelers. He ranks third in the Bears history with 32 career interceptions. Donnell was a three-time All-Madden Team Member and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 1993. Donnell finished his pro career with the Carolina Panthers.

Since retirement from professional football due to a career end­ing knee injury, Donnell returned to his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was co-owner of the Fayetteville Ruff Riders football team from 2004-2005, which is part of the Mason Dixon Football League and was recently nominated for the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

Donnell continues to support his hometown community by mentoring and coaching the local youth as part of the annual Jimmy Raye Clinic and supports several other non-profit organizations within the community and across the nation. Recently, Donnell was inducted to the 2009 Sports Legends Hall of Fame. This organi­zation is supported by the United States Army and is a mentoring program for youth of all ages. He has also donated land in Hope Mills, North Carolina as a contribution to the building of World Faith Ministries.

Inspired at an early age by the opportunities provided to him by The Boys and Girls Club, Donnell became empowered by his philanthropic drive, and is now building a new type of foundation, The Donnell Woolford Foundation (DWF). DWF is a nonprofit organization devoted to various charitable causes. Donnell remains passionate about opening the doors of opportunity for today’s youth, and giving back to society in general, whether it is for cancer research or for scholarship grants. He is on a mission, and feels truly blessed to be provided such wonderful opportunities in his life. He sincerely hopes through DWF and community support, he can do the same for others.

DUSTY MCFLY

Hip-Hop artist, Dusty McFly, brings to life a view of Detroit’s pop culture that the world has not yet seen. His music takes listeners on a raw journey through the untold story of today’s “Motor City.”

A native Detroiter raised by his mother and grandmother who gave him the nickname “Dusty,” the 24-year-old artist has become a “self-made” man by way of the city’s streets. His music is driven by his love for Detroit and stays true to its roots.

Dusty states, “I’m all about bringing the city back so just listening to me will get the unfamiliar people aware of our lifestyle. I make music to raise awareness of the environment in which we live in. He goes on, “Detroit has hustlers, entrepreneurs, and educated individuals. We can succeed anywhere. No one outside of Detroit knows that or understands us.”

Detroit has welcomed and returned Dusty’s love with a major amount of support. Since the 2011 spring release of Dusty’s debut single, “I’m Out Here” there has been an abundance of requests at both major hip-hop radio stations in Detroit. Dusty’s WGPR Detroit Summer Jamz 14 performance solidified the bond between Dusty and his city. “I’m out here!” became a part of Detroit’s unique street language and landed Dusty an encore performance the following year at Summer Jamz 15. The hit record called for two collaborative remixes, the first with fellow Detroit native, Big Sean and Dom Kennedy, followed by the “D-MIX” with various other well-known Detroit artists.

The success of the debut single, “I’m Out Here,” increased the anticipation for the first installment of B&B. The November 5, 2011 release of B&B Vol. 1 quickly became one of LiveMixtapes.com’s biggest debuts of an independent artist on its site. Since its release, Dusty has graced over 100 blogs and has received a feature on XXLmag.com’s “The Break.”

Dusty’s B&B mixtape series tells the story of a young man influenced by Detroit’s up and coming youth, spirit of hustle and the never ending grind toward success. The October 15, 2012 release of B&B Vol. 1.5 became an explosive addition to the soundtrack of the street city lifestyle.

Dusty’s lyrical talent coupled with dedication has led him to the ranks of major recording artists. During the Trey Songz Anticipation tour at The Fox Theatre in Detroit, he performed “I’m Out Here” to a thunderous crowd response. As a special guest, Dusty also performed a set during the Young Jeezy tour in Detroit. Dusty represented his city at Z109 Cleveland Summer Jamz performing alongside several major recording artists. Most notably, Dusty took the Midwest by storm on the Meek Mill’s Dream Chasers tour in St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland.

The highly anticipated B&B Vol. 2 features production from Drummaboy, KeyWane, The Olympicks,Young Chop, Yola Gang, Caridak Flatline, Jahlil Beats and more, set to release in the first half of2013.

The forthcoming single “Right Back Home” produced by and featuring KeyWane (Guap by Big Sean and Amen by Meek Mill fame) will be released in the first quarter of 2013.

Dusty McFly’s accolades and influence have caught the attention of several record labels. He is currently entertaining opportunities for major labels at this this time.

Stay tuned as Detroit’s rising star continues the Detroit hustler legacy far beyond the city’s limits.

RAY VIETTI

Based out of Eugene, Oregon, The Harmed Brothers are an up and coming force in the Folk/Roots/Independent music scene. Chronic touring and constant writing have made up the last four years for the “indie-grass” group. Founded in North Carolina, the band took its eventual shape in Cottage Grove, Oregon upon the meeting of guitarist/vocalist Ray Vietti and banjoist/vocalist/keyboardist Alex Salcido. Soon after teaming up, The Harmed Brothers released their acoustic debut “All The Lies You Wanna Hear,” in 2010. Since its release, the band and their live show have evolved into a beast within themselves. From bluegrass trio, to a manic-mariachi duo to five instrument outfit, the Harmed Brothers have never lost the key elements that have made their show and their music so special: driving guitars, a raging banjo, soulful harmonies, vocals and songs that howl at the moon and scream into the abyss. These tales of love, loss, despair, curiosity and triumph are the separate and collective works of co-songwriters Vietti and Salcido and are shared and exchanged vocally in-studio and on-stage. Backed by drummer Ben Kilmer and upright bassist Zach Kilmer, the end result is a unique, emotional roller-coaster of storytelling and performing. The Harmed Brothers have slung-shot back and forth across the country, building a following and strengthening an ever-growing repertoire and becoming part of a giant family within the new American independent music scene. In May 2012, The Harmed Brothers released their sophomore effort, “Come Morning,” on LackPro Records. The album has met rave reviews, stretching across greater North America and Europe. The Harmed Brothers have recently finished a seven-month U.S. tour. They plan on touring throughout part of late Fall and are preparing for their first European tour in early 2013.

REGGAE MONDAYS

A BAND CALLED DEATH (MOVIE DOCUMENTARY)

A Band Called Death is a 2012 American documentary film directed by Mark Christopher Covino and Jeff Howlett. The documentary is about the 1970s rock band Death and their new-found popularity decades after the group recorded their music.

Le Tour

LE TOUR

“Le Tour is absolutely crushing the lo-fi, tape distortion aesthetic with their specific brand of brutal psychedelia. Often affiliated with protopunk wizards The Sonics{sic}, as well as countless other punk bands from the 1980s underground, these guys bring noisy riffs coupled with well integrated psych and DIY sensibilities to the table.” – The Empty Bottle

In January 2016, Le Tour became a four-piece with the addition of Kevin Kujawa (ex-Mannequin Men) on guitar. The band recently completed recording their second full length album, the details of which have not been revealed yet but it’s gonna’ be fucking great!

Le Tour’s debut lp Terra Eyes was released on August 10, 2015. The album was recorded under duress as songwriter, Patrick Campbell, commuted from Detroit to Chicago to record with the band during the epically brutal winter of 2013-2014. “It’s literally a miracle I’m alive,” says Campbell, “Blinding whiteout conditions, alone on the road late nights with nothing but my Chrysler LHS and the Kinks.” Terra Eyes is a high fidelity representation of the group played almost entirely live, with very little editing or overdubs.

Always prolific, the band put out seven ep’s between 2011 and 2015 on Chicago labels on Berserk, Notes + Bolts, and Golden Beast Records.

Le Tour began in 2011 after a chance encounter at an Oh Sees gig between bassist Andrew Radlowski and guitarist/vocalist Patrick Campbell. Patrick had already been working on an undefined new project with drummer Colin Campbell. They named the band after Pat’s bike.

BERNIE WORRELL ORCHESTRA

Bernie Worrell: How many artists can say they were in on the ground floor of a Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame supergroup, all while inventing a completely original and uncanny sound and, in the ensuing years, building a legendary reputation as one of the most versatile hired guns in the music business? True funkateers know the history. From the fat Minimoog bass lines of “Flash Light” and “One Nation Under A Groove” to the percussive piano runs of “Chocolate City” and “Give Up the Funk,” Bernie Worrell is synonymous with the legacy of Parliament-Funkadelic; in fact, he’s one of the originators of the psychedelic funk sound, having written and co-produced the lion’s share of the music going back to Funkadelic’s formative years, with an eclectic ear for everything from Chopin to the Chi-Lites.

CLUB 409

Club 409 is a compelling, high energy fusion group playing deep grooves on tunes by artists like Herbie Hancock and the Brecker Brothers. The group features a great horn section and 2 wonderful vocalist. The group has performed with Gypsy Jazz Guitarist,Sam Strouk and legendary drummer,Brenard Purdie.

PREREX

PreRex is an exciting, dynamic band performing various styles of the Pop Rock genre from the 70’s to the present. The group replicates all the parts from the original recordings. Through Columbia College’s Artists – In – Residence program the group recently performed with legendary drummer Bernard Purdie.

SLEEP ON IT

Music is about connecting with people, and that’s what we focus on more than anything else. We’re a band that expresses honesty, and individuality in our music, drawing inspirations from bands such as Saves The Day, The Movielife, and the collective pop punk scenes we all grew up in from Massachusetts, Georgia, Cleveland, Michigan, Maine, and Chicago. We play fast, we play loud, and we don’t put up with any bullshit. It’s not about being famous, it’s about having fun with your friends, being idiots in the basement.

CLARKAIRLINES

A multi- tasker and innovative artist, ClarkAirlines began his career as a fledgling rapper at the age of fifteen years old. After watching Eminem’s, 8 Mile, he gained the confidence to melodically tell his life story, and become the brain power behind the movement that is TCUIMG (The Come Up International Music Group). Born Jarvis Clark, he was raised in the middle- class, south suburb, Matteson, Illinois- where his family moved, when he was eleven years old. The oldest of three children, his father introduced him to the diverse sounds of Janet Jackson, Jamiroquai, Lenny Kravitz, and occasionally sneaking in some of hip hop’s greatest- Tupac, Eminem and Kanye West.

ClarkAirlines’ diverse music selection is also reflective of his interests as an adolescent. On a regular day, one could either catch him practicing the saxophone, tumbling with classmates, or in the neighborhood playing basketball. During his high school years, ClarkAirlines made a name for himself on the court, but dreams of becoming a professional basketball player, were soon overpowered by a stronger desire to become a recording artist.

In 2007, Da Dot (ClarkAirlines’ initial artist name) was born. Alongside his father, ClarkAirlines began building his own studio in the basement that used to be his bedroom (later finished with his grandfather, after his father’s passing). While laying the foundation for his music empire, Clark Airlines also acquired hands-on audio experience in Pro Tools, while he studied media arts and animation at the Art Institute of Chicago- knowledge that would become the tools for which ClarkAirlines would use to direct videos for himself and peers.

Releasing freestyles over Jay-Z and Lil Wayne tracks, ClarkAirlines begin to brand his own sound. Believing in the power of blended sound, he formed The Come Up (2008), with long-time friends, Dale “Da Kid” Thomas and Chigozie “Goozy G” Uzoma. Together the trio debuted its mixtape, First Class Flight, a harmony of hip-hop, R&B, rock, and reggae. Focused on reaching a higher musical altitude, ClarkAirlines dropped his original moniker, Da Dot, and became Airlines (2009). Sky- rocketing into the cyberworld, ClarkAirlines and TCU gained notariety for its three part “Chi- Cypher”, linking some of Chicago’s hottest artists. Not stopping there, the group traveled across the United States performing at Howard University’s Yardfest (Washington, D.C.) to Canada for the Windsor Sports Weekend.

Adding his family surname (Clark) to the Airlines handle, ClarkAirlines readied himself for a solo flight. Still holding down the TCUIMG imprint, he debuted “Between the Lines” (March 25, 2012), an introductory compilation, showcasing his many capabilities in and outside of the studio. Not holding back, ClarkAirlines showed the world that he does it all from rapping to filming and editing his own videos. Making a bold statement with his latest, self- produced video for the single, Rebel Canon- ClarkAirlines shocked the blogs by jumping off the roof of a three- story home and proceeding with his conversational flow. Andrew Barber and the staff at FakeShoreDrive.com were so taken by his debut project they listed “Between the Lines” as one of the top mixtapes in Chicago (July 4, 2012).

With more than 150K recent Youtube views on the self- directed video, Rebel Canon, validation from FakeShoreDrive.com, Fader, HipHopWired.com, a host of other blogs, Skull Candy could not wait to offer ClarkAirlines endorsement opportunities. The buzz from several major record labels has allowed the industry to clear the runway for ClarkAirlines takeoff.

EL MEJOR

Formed by 3/4 of the short-lived Aloha Satan and 1/4 of ambient psyche juggernauts Implodes, El Mejor spent the first year of it’s existence finding sounds and ideas that were diverse yet cohesive. Mutual love for bands like Black Sabbath, The Stooges and Fugazi, as well as early hardcore , punk and noise-rock informed a sound that is heavy and chaotic while maintaining precision and melody.

DEATH

DEATH Established in Detroit in 1974. Death is one of Rock-N-Roll’s most unique and inspiring bands. Three brothers who played some of the hardest-driving Rock-N-Roll and recorded a now classic album in 1975. Rejected for their sound, their name, and their color, 34 years later the band Death began receiving what is now world-wide recognition for the Rock-N-Roll music they created in Detroit throughout the seventies. Their music and message is universal, and the sound of Death is unique and tight! The new Death album tracks have just been completed for an exciting array of new Death music to be presented in the upcoming 2013/14 season.

Tiki/Lounge/Surf

DREAD ZEPPELIN

“They’ve got two singers. One sings after the reggae style, and the other guy thinks he’s Elvis. So when they do things like Black Dog, they kinda, hey hey mama say the way you move, gonna make you sweat gonna make you groove. Then it goes into reggae. It’s fantastic”! – Robert Plant –

Besides this inarguable endorsement, Dread Zeppelin garnered high accolades from the British and American music press upon their debut and has continue to entertain and amuse audiences for over twenty years. They sound like the Hammer of the Gods, but act so cool that even our tone-deaf friends like them. Oh yeah – Led Zeppelin inna reggae style sung by an Elvis impersonator. You gotta order the extra-large portion!

Dread Zeppelin members:
Tortelvis
Charlie Haj
Butt-Boy
Fred Flintstoned
Spice

It is a well known fact that Elvis Presley’s birthday falls on January 8th. Well, eight years to the day after their first gig on January 8th 1989, (or 1956 if you believe lead vocalist Tortelvis), a replica Ford Pinto, containing 5 reggae musicians, smokes its way onto another stage. This time it’s the The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California, one thousand and ninety nine performances later. “It’s a hot time in Orange County” Tort exclaims just before Charlie Haj, the man who hands him his water and towels on stage, gives him his final stage instructions. “Tortelvis, dispite your age of 35, your obviously in poor health and way over weight. I know you’ve come to accept your appearance and so have your fans. So please, watch your step on the way to the stage”. And with that, the group that plays “Led Zeppelin music inna reggae style with an Elvis impersonator, is at it again! Since that day in 1989, Dread Zeppelin have released 12 cds, produced several videos (one in which Butt-head still says “whoa, that’s cool” and Beavis just agrees ), starred in a motion picture, and have toured in over thirty countries including Japan, Brazil, Australia and all of Europe. Their tight and sometimes shredfestual brand of reggae music combined with a stage show that re-defines the word, have prompted even Robert Plant himself to speak out in support of Dread Zeppelin’s version of “Your Time Is Gonna Come” over his own Led Zeppelin version! As you know, Dread Zeppelin is fronted by lead singer TORTELVIS, described as a cross between Vegas era Elvis, Dracula, and Liberace! Tortelvis is always accompanied by his faithful manservant, CHARLIE HAJ. Charlie quietly wipes the brow of the “Pompadoured Butterball” and keeps him in fresh towels. Lead guitarist BUTT-BOY is a tall scary man with an obvious secret agenda. Bassist FRED ZEPPELIN, a geeky reggaemon and a darn good player, along with drummer SPICE, are often mistaken for killer reggae rhythm section, Sly and Robbie.

Since the release in 1990 of their debut cd “Un-Led-Ed” for IRS Records, Dread Zeppelin have continued to play to diehard fans and confused faces in crowds around the world for almost 20 years. While the make-up of the band has gone through a few member changes, the main forces of the band have remained to reveal new and old sounds, and look for a new generation of Led Zeppelin fans and anti-Led Zeppelin fans. Dread may always be considered to most, purely a novelty act. However, some may argue that unlike a number of those acts, the bands longevity is due to their ability to actually play. On their latest release, Bar Coda “, they managed to step back in time with their camp approach they are known for. Tortelvis, has made a career of imitating the vocal style and mannerisms of the late Elvis Presley. However, “the times they are a kinda changin.” While Tortelvis still carries some of the Elvis inflections into his own style, the music seems to be more timeless when not reverting to the use of fat, food or drug references, although their use of weaving many songs and riffs together make for laughs of their own.

NIPSEY HUSSLE

You already know what it is. From the way he greets you, to the words that he speaks. The uniform he wears is bold, aggressive and absolutely intimidating. He’s authentic – the offspring of the West Coast’s most celebrated talent – yet and still a novelty all his own. In an industry that’s fallen victim to bubble gum lyrics and erroneous dance fads to match, he’s the spokesperson the block wants for. He’s the sociopolitical outrage of Ice Cube and N.W.A. He’s Snoop Dogg before you knew his name and Ice T after an unexpected knock at 6 o’clock in the morning. He’s the very definition of Slauson & Crenshaw – a self-inspired movement and a name you can trust. He is Nipsey Hussle.

A devout member of the Rolling Sixty Crips, Nipsey Hussle emerged from one of the most respected sets in Los Angeles. Situated in the middle of South Central, he’s as poised a banger as there comes. “I try to keep a balance with my career and who I am aside from that.” says Nipsey. “It’s kinda hard, but I try to stay the same nigga and balance both worlds. You don’t wanna forget where you come from and at the same time, you don’t wanna fuck off your blessing tryna live the same lifestyle you been living.

VIOLENT AFFAIR

Bomb City, 2013… Fighting Red State prejudice and championing free speech, Violent Affair has been stoking the flames of rebellion since 2009. These Oklahoma Street Punks prove that real, unadulterated punk rock is still thriving in the heartland. This 5 piece faction of seasoned musicians consists of former members of The Rippers, The Violence, The Costellos and many more. Violent Affair is Dave on lead vocals, Jesse on 1st guitar, Domenic on 2nd guitar, Zach on bass, and Ryan on drums.
The band debuted their self released E.P entitled Armageddon in 2009, and were quickly scooped up by German label Razorblade, who subsequently released the bands debut full length “Stand Trial” in 2010. At a time when spiky jacketed, mohawked punk rock was becoming a dying breed, Violent Affair stepped up to the challenge of carrying on the torch and sold over 3000 copies of “Stand Trial” (mostly in Germany alone).

The band has toured the states numerous times, and has shared stages with the likes of The Casualties, Career Soldiers, Monster Squad, The Scarred, SS Kalliert, Street Dogs, Krum Bums and way too many more to mention. 2012 brought the band to Jailhouse Records attention after owner David, pulled out an old copy of Stand Trial he was sent years before and had never bothered to open. Immediately upon listening, he contacted the band and soon signed them for a 3 album deal. Within months, Jailhouse released the well received and first new V/A material in 2 years, “Call To Arms”.

Violent Affair has finished recording for their first full length on Jailhouse Records (scheduled for September 10th), and will be touring throughout summer/fall in support.

FELONY 4

FORMER MEMBERS OF: AVIGILANTE , GOVERNMENT FOR HIRE, NOTHING RIGHT NOW, JAGGED, AND TEEN SLUT.

THE RED PAINTINGS

After suffering a near-fatal seizure, visionary performer Trash McSweeney now sees colour in his music and has set out to share with the world all the ideas about what he has seen and felt. By taking to his guitar, piano and notebook, The Red Paintings were officially born upon the dawn of the new millennium.

Based in Australia and Los Angeles – and having been fortunate enough to already tour much of the globe – The Red Paintings are a five-piece group (guitar, bass, drums, cello & violin) who incorporate additional orchestral, choral and performance art features wherever possible. With costumes, themes, painters and other artists their shows combine sound and visuals to create a living canvas that stimulates the senses and minds of the audience. A true and unique art experience. The Red Paintings’ sound evokes everything from child-like lullabies of the future, to tearing, biting, alternative-rock numbers. They are sometimes compared to multi-faceted acts like Radiohead, Muse, and The Arcade Fire, and their appeal reaches baroque-pop steam-punks, metal-heads, indie-rock fanatics, and beyond.

After five years in the making and 8 world class studios throughout the globe
“The Revolution Is Never Coming’’ has finally had its final mix in Los Angeles, this truly is a record of epic proportions. Sharing desires shaped from a passionate world view, The Revolution Is Never Coming is what Trash hopes will be the tipping point for the band’s career. With their diverse history and cult following, the band has stepped into 2013/14 with an arsenal of music, a highly-praised innovative live performance, and die-hard fans (who Trash says are “the best on the planet”). It truly looks as though the future is now for the band.

It comes as no surprise that they have been handpicked as support for Scottish post-rockers Mogwai, The Dresden Dolls – self proclaimed “punk cabaret”, American poet and mastermind Saul Williams, and popular punk group Mindless Self Indulgence. Recently scoring support spots in the US for The Posies, Atari Teenage Riot and MSI. The Band has also played major music festivals including Big Day Out, Livid, and The Great Escape, where they shared the stage with bands such as The White Strips, Sigur Rós, The polyphonic Spree, the Battles, and Soundgarden.

The live show features visual content which includes unique projections along with human body and canvas painters who join the band on stage collaborating in real time to create artworks that reflect the band’s music and energy. Artists are sourced with the aim of finding struggling but talented painters and providing them with a new platform to showcase their work.

Prior to this most recent endeavor, the band released the first two EPs in their Robot Trilogy series, Walls and Destroy the Robots. By taking their show to the streets alongside dozens of fans, the band staged marches throughout capital cities and towns in Australia with intricately designed futuristic costumes and 9-foot robot statues. With all eyes upon their excitingly provocative performance art and accompanying nightly shows, three tracks from the EPs gained high rotation on well-known radio stations including Triple J, Nova, and Sports Talk UK. With EPs selling well and charting week after week – including a mind-blowing 15 weeks on the Net 50 – the band kept things buzzing with interviews and reviews across the globe. To date, they have made appearances in such distinguished print media as Rolling Stone, Blunt, and NME.

Before closing out December with two monumental Christmas themed charity concerts, the band released the final EP in their Trilogy (Feed the Wolf) and embarked on The Animal Rebellion tour (as well as like-minded marches in which they donned costumes depicting genetically engineered animals). These helped sales surpass the 25,000-unit mark for all TRP CD releases to date! Riding this wave of success, the band released their final single and music video from Feed the Wolf in December, the beautifully haunting ballad entitled “We Belong in the Sea”. Following the success of the single on YouTube (the mournfully grand video reached top honors on YouTube in the same month), the band plunged headlong into an Australian and U.S. “Sea” tour. This included an invite to perform at the prestigious MUSEXPO conference wherein the band received praise from industry guru, Bob Lefsetz.

Song writer Trash McSweeney, an advocate for animal rights, organized a historic benefit show in November 2008, to help raise awareness on the whale slaughter in the southern ocean. The band recorded a parody of Midnight Oil’s “Beds are Burning”, called “Whales are Dying”, the music video for the song was released January 2009. In 2010 The Red Paintings joined the line-up at Worldfest, a solar-powered celebration of music, the environment, animals and humanity, in Los Angele’s and have continued to support animal rights organizations playing at several charity events. The band support animal welfare groups like the Black fish and Mercy for Animals.

In late 2009/10 the band relocated to Los Angele’s, spending their time touring the area and working on the fan-sponsored record, The Revolution Is Never Coming, which generated over $40,000 in donations, while planning, filming and editing some of their most creative and visually dynamic music videos to date.

In early 2011 the band returned to Brisbane creating a stage show inspired and dedicated to the trees, ‘The Tree Show’ drew visuals and messages from artworks created by LA artist Mark Ryden. This was followed by a very special and intimate acoustic show inspired by alien abductions. ‘The Abduction’ was a rare experience for Brisbane fans as Trash hardly ever plays solo shows. Trash than returned to Los Angele’s to finish mixing “The Revolution Is Never Coming” and embarked on a US Tour with a new stage show entitled “The Black Paintings Tour”.

Late 2011 the band put a call out on their Facebook page, stating that if 1000 people liked their status they would bring the band back to Australia for a Nationwide Tour, the fans answered the call and the band brought their “Black Paintings” tour fresh from the US to their Australian fans in January 2012, before returning to the US to complete a 12 date promotional tour entitled the “Future-less” tour in support of the US “Streets Fell into My Window” single release.

“A surreal & dark adaptation of the Alice in Wonderland tale, with a strong mix of live action performance, stylized animation and twisted puppetry, which delivers audiences into a whole new ‘Wonderland’ of unrestrained fantasy and imagination.”

The clip has being winning awards at International film festivals all over the globe.

McSweeney never far from a fresh idea and creative new show returned ounce again to announce a new stage show and tour metaphor to the bands future album release labelled ‘The Chinese Whispers Tour’ kicking of a 7 day sold out national tour of Australia, this new stage also saw the act return to London, the UK and Europe for a ambitious 40 date tour kicking off from Nov 8th till Dec 23rd, 2012 and the release of the new single and video ‘’You’re not one of them’’ first released In the UK with EMI/UEG. In its first month of release being picked up and played on over 140 radio stations across the country including UK most influential stations Kerrang, BBC1 and Q radio.

(2013 and current)
A jam packed year already with Mcsweeney releasing new material from the awaited album with labels across the globe from The End Records, USA (Prodigy/Fat Boy Slim) with the debut single from the album hitting the commercial charts in its first week at #42, Rough Trade in Europe and Birds Robe/MGM in AU/NZ and Japan. Then news the bands booking now being taking care of by Northern Music agency (Opeth/Trail of dead) in the UK/EU, Harbor agency in AU/NZ.
TRP recently touring Nth America to support the first single release ‘You’re not one of them’ revealing a new stage show as main support for NY act ‘Mindless Self Indulgence’ on their Sold Out theater tour in April/May, 2013 and then hitting the UK for another Sold Out tour with UK act ‘The Pineapple Thief.
The band then returned to Australia for the debut album release on June 7. A busy schedule already in the works with the band touring Australia and a media tour month of June, China and Japan and shooting their next music video in July, UK festival tour and side shows in August, 25 date USA tour in September and October, then they join US neon punk act once more as main support for their UK/EU theater tour throughout Nov and Dec a Christmas break and then they do it all again and more in 2014 as the act release and break their highly anticipated album, The Revolution Is Never Coming, and the new innovative stage shows across the world.

BRITE LITE

Leslie Beukelman has forged a central role in the Chicago music scene, thriving on her versatility as a musician and performer. She has been praised by many of Chicago’s top media outlets, being described as an “edgy and adventurous jazz and rock singer” (Neil Tesser, the Examiner) and an “Exquisite vocalist… (who has) mastered genres as vast as soul, melodic jazz, scat, rock and atonal experimentation…”(Lucia Mauro, Chicago Tribune).

BRITE LITE features Leslie’s voice and songwriting alongside three incredibly creative and diverse musicians: Jim Tashjian (District 97, Miss Remember) on guitar, Bryan Doherty (Digital Tape Machine, Hood Smoke, Ex Senators) on bass, and Michael Caskey (Eastern Blok, Hood Smoke, the Claudettes, Outertown) on drums. These four musicians come together with individuality and character, bringing the musical experience that is BRITE LITE… glimpses of rock, jazz, pop, and spontaneity.

DAYNA MALOW

Dayna Malow has spent her professional career making her own music and that of others, come to life. Her personal style spans many musical genres, and her songwriting knows no boundaries. Because of this, on any given night you may hear her singing at a small corner café or coffee shop, at a smoky jazz club, on stage at a crowded neighborhood bar, playing for a large crowd at a regional music festival, or under the bright lights at a regal theater or performance center.

SLAUGHTER AND THE DOGS

Slaughter and the Dogs began life inspired by the glam rock era of the early 70s listening to the likes of Bowie, Roxy Music, Ian Hunter etc and were all brought up on the Wythenshawe council estate in South Manchester. After gaining a large contingent of followers from gigging locally and playing mainly cover versions they were invited to play support to a band called the Sex Pistols at the Lesser Free Trade hall in Manchester purely to help ticket sales. This was to be Slaughters turning point after witnessing Johnny Lydon and co playing what was to be termed punk rock and that was to be the way forward for the band.
Their first single release was the punk classic “Cranked up Really High” and was released on independent label Rabid records and produced by Martin Hannet. This led to the band being signed to major record label Decca records and 1977 saw the release of the single “Where Have All The Boot Boys Gone” quickly followed by the single “Dame to Blame”. 1978 Slaughter released a cover version of “Quick Joey Small” which was deemed to be more radio friendly. Their first album “Do It Dog Style” was also recorded the same year and a tour was put in place to coincide with its release. However due to personal relationship problems drummer Brian Grantham left the band.The band in 1979 signed new record deal with DJM records and the band decided to relocate from Manchester to London a replacement was found with ex Eater drummer Phil Rowland taking over. A single was released that same year Your Ready Now but alas vocalist Wayne Barrett decided to stop the band, Slaughter and the Dogs a band that promised so much (and could quite easily have delivered) were no more.
1991 brought the song writing partnership of Wayne Barrett and Mick Rossi back together and an album was released on Receiver records under the band name Slaughter and the Dogs called “Shocking”.

1996 was to see Slaughter and the Dogs co Headline The Holidays In The Sun Punk Festival at The Winter Gardens in Blackpool with Wayne Barrett on vocals, Mick Rossi on guitar, Nigel Mead on Bass and French drummer Noel Kay on drums. Slaughter and the Dogs were the only band to have their full set filmed and a video “Live In Blackpool 1996” was released.
Nigel Mead was eventually replaced on bass by another French man Jean Pierre Thollet (JP) and this has remained the full Slaughter and the Dogs line up to this present day. 2001 also saw this band record and release a brand new album called “Beware of” with Wayne and Mick coming back from France and LA to return to their roots in Manchester whilst they co wrote and recorded & produced the album. The album was released on TKO Records in the USA and on Captain Oi records in the UK and the single “Saturday Night Till Sunday Morning” was released from it. Wayne, Noel and JP all reside in France whilst Mick lives in Los Angeles but they still continue to tour and headline Punk Festivals in the USA, Europe and the UK. This line up has been the longest running and consistent line up in the Slaughter and the Dogs history.

Metal Church

METAL CHURCH

(first show in the world with new singer, first show anywhere in over 3 years)

Formed in San Francisco in 1980, Metal Church consisted of vocalist David Wayne, guitarists Kurdt Vanderhoof and Craig Wells, bassist Duke Erickson, and drummer Kirk Arrington. Their 1985 self-titled debut album, recorded when the thrash/speed metal genre was still evolving, made a huge splash on the scene, as did its follow-up, The Dark. However, the band really hit its stride when Wayne left and was replaced by Mike Howe on 1989’s Blessing in Disguise; Vanderhoof left after the album due to his dislike of touring and was replaced by Metallica guitar tech John Marshall. Vanderhoof remained the group’s designated composer on 1991’s The Human Factor, possibly the band’s most socially conscious album yet. However, the advent of alternative rock and problems with their record label contributed to a loss of direction on 1993’s Hanging in the Balance, and Metal Church ended up disbanding. In 1999, the group’s original lineup — Wayne, Vanderhoof, Wells, Erickson, and Arrington — reunited and released the album Masterpeace. The ensuing years saw the group undergoing numerous lineup changes and assorted members tending to other projects. In 2004, the band issued their seventh full-length LP, the critically acclaimed Weight of the World, which marked the debut of new vocalist Ronny Munroe. Tragically, former vocalist David Wayne died the following year from complications resulting from a car accident. 2006’s A Light in the Dark included a re-recording of 1986’s “Watch the Children Pray” as a tribute to their fallen comrade. Shortly after the release of 2009’s This Present Wasteland, the band announced that they would be going their separate ways once again. A reunion show in 2012 eventually led them back to the studio. The resulting Generation Nothing, their tenth studio long-player, arrived the following year, and the aptly named XI appeared in early 2016, marking the return of vocalist Mike Howe. A concert album culled from the XI tour featuring Howe appeared the following year under the title Classic Live. Continuing their prolific run, they issued their 12th set, Damned If You Do, in late 2018. Vocalist Mike Howe died at his home in Eureka, California on July 26, 2021. He was 55 years old. ~ Steve Huey, Rovi

LORINE CHIA

Lorine Chia was born in Cameroon. She moved to the U.S when she was 6. She has always loved music. Now she is 19 aspiring to be a famous musician. “Maybe one day i can make my own albums, travel the world and just do what i love doing. I thank God everyday for blessing me with a talent which i will use to reach out to people. I do this because it is indeed what makes me happy. Hopefully people will appreciate my style of music. Don’t really have a preferred genre but mostly its like Alternative haha. They say the sky is the limit but i am way out of this galaxy.”

THE WOOTEN BROTHERS: VICTOR WOOTEN, JOSEPH WOOTEN, ROY “FUTUREMAN” WOOTEN, REGI WOOTEN

The band includes:  Victor, bassguitar/vocals; Joseph, keyboards/vocals; Roy,percussion/vocals; and Regi, guitars/vocals.

For over four decades the Wooten Brothers have been recognized as some of the most innovative musicians in existence and are collectively known as one of the most talented and dynamic band of brothers the world has ever known. Since they were young, the five brothers have been a musical tour-de-force redefining the limits of jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, and bluegrass. Sons of military parents, their early years were spent living in different states including Hawaii, California, and Virginia where they shared stages with the likes of Curtis Mayfield, The Temptations, Ramsey Lewis, Stephanie Mills, War, and other artists. In the mid 80’s, the brothers released an album as The Wootens for Clive Davis’ Arista Records. This will be the brother’s first tour together as a band since the untimely death of their saxophone-playing brother Rudy a few years ago.

Victor Wooten, a five-time Grammy Award-winning artist, has graced the cover of Bass Player Magazine five times. He is a founding member of the eclectic group Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and is recognized as one of the greatest living bassist today often drawing comparisons to Jaco Pastorius, and was named one of the “Top ten bassist of all time”by Rolling Stone Magazine. He is also an award-nominated author, naturalist, and music educator and has been running his unique music/nature camps since the year 2000. Wooten’s camps are held at his own Wooten Woods, which is just outside of Nashville. In 2010, he started his own record label, Vix Records, which has released a series of acclaimed recordings over the last few years.

Joseph Wooten has a dizzying list of talents that is impressive even by the Wooten clan’s standards. Currently the keyboardist for the Steve Miller Band (since 1993), he is also a composer, orchestrator, motivational speaker, and has been showcased as an amazing vocalist since he was a child. In 1981, Joseph became known as the “overnight accordion player” when he literally auditioned, bought an accordion, and began performing within a matter of a few days for the Busch Gardens amusement park in Williamsburg, VA. He has collaborated with the likes of Whitney Houston and Kenny G, and when not touring with Miller, leads his own band, performs with Freedom Sings, and even helps out his little brother as keyboardist, vocalist, and composer for The Victor Wooten Band.

Roy “Futureman” Wooten, also a five-time Grammy Award winner, is best known for his masterful drumming and percussion skills and is a founding member Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Roy, a seasoned drum set player, is mostly known for his frenzied, inimitable on-stage performances heightened by his surreal choice of instruments: his trademark inventions “The Drumitar” and “RoyEl” keyboard. He is also a philosopher, researcher, filmmaker, and educator. His impressive solo career and “Black Mozart” projects scan the genres of classical, jazz, soul, gospel, and spoken word.

Regi Wooten’s signature guitar style of chording, slapping, tapping and frenzied strumming has earned him world-wide notoriety and comparisons to Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Chuck Berry. In recent years, Regi has performed with many artists including the legendary Ginger Baker. Regi, known worldwide as “The Teacher”, currently teaches music in Nashville, TN and has taught many notable musicians.   He was teaching his little brothers Joseph and Victor when he himself was only 9 years old.  One of his early, but lasting contributions was the composition of his and his brother’s high school Alma Mater.

Together The Wooten Brothers bring an uncanny level of experience, originality, and musical expertise to the stage. Their shows will be a high-energy, super-funky, artistic blend of styles including original songs and classics. In short: these brothers are the real deal and their shows are not to be missed.

Outlaw/Country/Western

Retro Soul/Blues/R&B

THE DITCHRUNNERS

“The Ditchrunners are beginning to make a ripple, no a cannonball, in the Great Lakes music scene. If you are wondering what kind of music to expect from these boys, think the opposite of radio stars such as Kenney Chesney and Toby Kieth. I would think more along the lines of Central Wisconsin rebel-rousing, whiskey-fueled, high-octane country.” -Adam Greuel, HOOPLA Magazine

PAUL BUNYAN COOK SHANTY

From JT to Daft Punk to Steely Dan, “Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty” serves up a heaping plate of steaming group vocals, Strings, Brass, and a footstomping groove!

8-PIECE SPICY

Performing grooving & soulful R&B hits from the 70’s to today!

90’s Alternative Rock

BELLUM BOCA

DIY Local Chicago band

ACKER

loud, no vocals, tempos vary, timbres vary

SCOTCH HOLLOW

Scotch Hollow began when Mark Verbeck met Carley Martin while they were both attending Berklee College of Music. The music he made on guitar, slide and ukulele was a perfect match for her full range vocals. Their mutual love for the blues, traditional country and roots music brought them together to form the successful Scotch Hollow. After graduation they toured regionally and played in Nashville for a couple years. When the wind blew them north in 2008, they temporarily switched their name and direction with the funk rock band named Bandit Runner. After a short run, Mark unfortunately came down with a severe case of tendonitis that put the brakes on all musical pursuits for the next 2 years. Determined to not be thrown off course, Mark, using various apps on his Ipad, continued writing music and eventually found himself with a whole catalogue of new music. After he was majority of the way healed, Mark contacted his friend and former band mate Albert Dingnus to start arranging his songs for physical instruments. To their surprise, music seemed to flow out of them like water from a faucet and the beginning of the New Scotch Hollow started to develop. After allot of hard work, practice, and gigs; Mark, Carley, and Albert found themselves with a new band, sound, and a fresh new EP that would show the world who Scotch Hollow exactly was.

THE NEUTRINOS

The Neutrinos is a ska/punk throwback playing pop anthems or top 40 of any decade in the spirit of 90s style ska/punk.  The band features a hot horn section and blazing energy to match.  You never thought you’d be singing along to these memorable hits while skanking, til you met the Neutrinos.

THE ORPHAN THE POET

The idea of a “music scene” is one that is lost on The Orphan, The Poet. Developing their craft in rural southern Ohio, the members of this 4-piece indie rock outfit founded their group on a musical island—not a single band or venue in nearly 100 miles. Though anything but isolationists, the group does wear their solitary inception as a badge of honor, giving it credit for much of the honesty and introspection found in their music. Furthermore, the band has made great strides outgrowing their modest beginnings.

LIONS LIONS

Lions Lions comes out of the Boston music scene.Brandon Davis (formerly of Vanna and Therefore I Am), Jon Kay (formerly of The Jonah Veil), Joshua Herzer, Nick Sjostrom and Isaac Vigil have all come together to form a sound that includes influences from all genres of music. Pulling references from all of their own individually culturally diverse backgrounds, they make a sound that is completely a vein of its own.

CONDITIONS

“The essential conditions of everything you do must be choice, love, passion.” – Juliette Nadia Boulanger

It makes sense that the members of the best post-hardcore/melodic rock band to come barnstorming out of the Northeast in ages would draw inspiration from this quote (from a celebrated French composer) and adopt part of it as their moniker. Conditions is all about choice, love and passion. Having cut their teeth in heavier acts before coming together, the guys joined forces with the swift and decisive mission to explore broader creative terrain, to pour ever more devotion into their craft and to share it all with others.

The contemplative but catchy bounce of Jimmy Eat World, the esoteric but driving atmospherics of Thrice, the dark experimentalism tempered by soft sentimentality of Brand New and the soaring radio melodies of Foo Fighters and Blink 182 have all found a new home within Conditions, who have fashioned this formula into something uniquely their own. With a passing glance backward and a full throttle charge forward, Conditions are taking melodic post-hardcore toward the future with the stunning new album, Full of War.

The stage is set for a full-on salvo on the medicore and mundane. “The radio is full of droning songs for lemmings that are about absolutely nothing,” Brandon Roundtree laments. The singer and the rest of the band defiantly stand apart, producing spirited anthems filled with meaning.

The best art stands for something. It doesn’t have to be political, it doesn’t have to be divisive, but the best art has a strong point of view, take it or leave it. Conditions posses a depth and artistry that is lacking in many of today’s bands.

Conditions creates music that demands further inspection. It demands listener attention beyond the surface hooks. “We want people to stop listening with their eyes, so to speak,” explains the singer. “To stop buying into what is being force-fed and to start re-growing the ability to say ‘no’ to certain things; to have a musical opinion. People just blindly start to listen and blindly start to like certain things. It’s frustrating.”

In the recording studio, interacting with fans and supporters or touring the US and Europe with Paramore, New Found Glory, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Sleeping With Sirens, letlive. and on the Vans Warped Tour, Taste Of Chaos, at Bamboozle, at SXSW, Conditions are always cognizant of the choices out there and endeavors to offer something truly unique, invigorating and refreshing. It’s no wonder why Alternative Press called them a “Band You Need To Know.”

Roundtree’s impassioned pleas pull from the deepest recesses of angst and the highest reaches of optimism with one of the most distinctive and powerful voices of this generation of bands, in full partnership with exceptionally creative guitarist/vocalist Alex Howard, fluid and dynamic bass player Corey Thomas and powerhouse drummer Ryan Tinsley, who demonstrates high-caliber skills throughout.

A MAMMOTH TASK

“A Mammoth Task” is the brain-child of Logan Huber of Antioch, Illinois. It began in 2008 while the eleven year old was writing songs for a full length album. In 2010, he began looking for musicians for his new band “This Is Noise” and recruited cousin and bass player Chris Fleming. After several name changes, 15 songs were written under the new name “A Mammoth Task.” The album, “Let’s Break Their Arms” is a stripped down, bare bones punk rock album with a certain individuality that sets it apart from other “run of the mill” punk bands although “Let’s Break Their Arms” is just the tip of a mammoth iceberg for these punkers. 2013&2014 will bring a more complex and sophisticated side of this seemingly straightforward, no frills band. Their new material has been classified anywhere from “skater thrash” to “all over the place experimental.”

After Let’s Break Their Arms was released on February 14, 2013, A Mammoth Task didn’t waste any time recording and releasing the lo-fi follow up, Let’s Break Their Legs [E.P.] on April 22nd. They are currently playing shows in support of their first two releases, welcoming music newcomer Camera Foster behind the drum kit. On August 5th, 2013, they released the live album “Let’s Break Their Hearts – Live At Swing State” two days after the show on August 3rd. In addition to playing live, they are also writing new material and are currently recording their second full length album Free Thinkers Are Dangerous which will be released Halloween (October 31st) 2013.

CRAZY TALK

Crazy Talk is an exciting “New’ Country band playing the current country hits plus remakes of classic country standards and has that “NOW” sound. With five vocalists their rich harmonies are complimented by outstanding musicianship and their live performances are a pleasurable experience.

THE PEACHTREE

The Peachtree is a Hip-Hop/ Latin Rock band born in Aurora, IL during the late winter of 2008. Not trying to fulfill any particular genre, but instead creating their own sound, The Peachtree has managed to reach a large number of fans that are just as eclectic as their own sound.

THE MAGNETIC REELS

Catchy blend of 60’s rock, 70’s punk and 90’s alternative with harmonies and a driving back beat.

HEARING SHADOWS

Hearing Shadows is a power trio (guitar, bass and drums) located in the Chicago area.

NERVOCHAOS

Fed up with the trends flooding the Metal scene, NERVOCHAOS was born on the spring of 96, with the idea of creating aggressive and chaotic music shredding the barriers of Death Metal and Hard Core. NERVOCHAOS gained cult status in the extreme music scene due to their hard work over the years, offering their sonic extravaganza in their unique way. The band’s demos have become collectors’ items throughout the underground.

AMAZING HEEBY JEEBIES

AMAZING HEEBY JEEBIES was born in the back seat of a ’63 Caddy tearing down Highway 41. Amazing Ary and Earl “Wolfdaddy” knew they had created something that could be a sinners delight. Neighbors curiosity grew hearing the two bang out what became the foundation of AMAZING HEEBY JEEBIES.

Chicago Artist Ary started painting at a young age..but visual art was just not enough. When she turned 21, she became a regular fixture lurking in the shadows of the hippest live music shows mingling with international party girls, hep cats & kittens…now cutting her teeth as a musician/songwriter/performer, taking souls & rockin’ bones on stage for the first time…raawwwr! This petite bad girl packs a powerful vocal punch like nobody’s business. Her live performances show her provocative but sweet style, invoking artists from past and present, from blues to punk, hell raisin’ rock n roll with a twist and shake of vintage kitsch.

Earl “Wolfdaddy” Carter is also one of the two original members of The Riptones, and before that he was in numerous other insane notable local bands (Deacons, Deke Rivers, Rebel Rousers, The Buzzerds, and the late and great Elvis impersonator Tom Green). Slappin’ & howlin’ in league with the hellhounds from the blazin’ fires of nitro moonshine madness, Wolfdaddy will make you scream!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch….other talented son-of-a-guns joined in;

Randy “Doctor”” Carter: Guitar/Mandolin (bluegrass band Slightly Bent). Creating the monstrously sick incurable sound deep within your brain-that will haunt your memory in that feel good kinda way.

Bob “Be-Ware” Hyatt: Guitar/Vocals (Los Diablos, Red, Hot and Blue, Riptones). Bob’s brooding and dangerously dark songwriting and sounds will start rumbles and will make you kids run to your mommas.

Tom “Boss X” Klein: Guitarist Extraordinaire (Liquid Soul, Country Doctors, Razorhouse, Ambassadors to Earth, and in the past, Spies Who Surf). The mystery behind the mayhem, this assassin of sound will cause explosions and riots with only six strings.

And last but not least the king of swing Danny “Danny Boy” McClain on drums (Los Diablos, Red Hot & Blue). Banging to the drum of his own primal beat, invoking crazy voodoo magic, makin’ you twist, shake and move your feet.

Together this bizarre musical powerhouse is putting a spell on amazed crowds everywhere including the hottest spots in town, various hotrod shows, and other footstompin’ happenings. Too dangerous to stop. Too gone to turn back jack!

Best described as “Dixiefried Garagabilly” drawing on various eras and genres from hillbilly, gritty blues, 60’s garage punk, deep from the underworld of moody psychotic rock n roll!.